Texas football fans spend weeks preparing for Sunday’s big game – deciding where to watch the game, the luckiest shirt to wear, and what snacks and refreshments to serve. Too often though, Texans forget to make the most important game-day decision, to either pass up that drink or pass off their keys to a sober driver.

Drinking and driving after the Super Bowl is a serious problem in Texas. Texas Department of Transportation records show on Feb. 5, 2012 (Super Bowl Sunday), there were 100 alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes in Texas, which led to 33 serious injuries and 4 fatalities. And a 2009 report shows that 45 percent of Texans who drink while at football watching parties report driving home. In an effort to curb this dangerous behavior, TxDOT is ramping up a campaign called, “Know When to P.A.S.S.” (Person Appointed to Stay Sober). The campaign is aimed at increasing awareness of the consequences of game-day drinking and encouraging drinking fans to pass their keys to a sober driver.

“As one of America’s most anticipated and celebrated sporting events kicks off, fans will gather to watch the football game at sports bars and restaurants often times drinking alcohol,” said Carol Rawson , TxDOT traffic operations director. “TxDOT wants to remind everyone to avoid getting behind the wheel after drinking and ‘Know When to P.A.S.S.’ the keys to a sober driver so that you, your passengers and others on our roads can get home safely.”

Fans can learn more about “Know When to P.A.S.S.” by liking the TxDOT Facebook page: www.facebook.com/txdot.

The Texas Department of Transportation is responsible for maintaining 80,000 miles of road and for supporting aviation, rail and public transportation across the state. TxDOT and its 11,000 employees are committed to working with others to provide safe and reliable transportation solutions for Texas by maintaining a safe system, addressing congestion, connecting Texas communities, and being a Best in Class state agency. Find out more at www.txdot.gov. Follow on Twitter www.twitter.com/txdot.